The medieval town of Wexford

Wexford is a historic harbour town on the south-east coast of Ireland, where the River Slaney opens into Wexford Harbour. Founded by Viking settlers in the 9th century under the name Waesfjord, meaning the inlet of the mud flats, it later became one of the earliest Norman strongholds in Ireland after the invasion of 1169. That long layered history is still visible in the narrow lanes and low arches of the town centre.

The medieval core is best explored on foot. Main Street follows the line of the old Viking thoroughfare and is unusually narrow, crowded with independent shops, pubs and cafes. Surviving sections of the Norman town wall can be traced behind the modern buildings, and the Westgate Tower, the only remaining medieval gateway, still stands at the western edge of the old town. Nearby, the ruins of Selskar Abbey mark the spot where Henry II is said to have done penance for the murder of Thomas Becket.

Down by the quays, brightly painted frontages look across to the fishing boats and the long stretch of the harbour. The town is also known for the Wexford Festival Opera each autumn, and as a base for exploring the wider county, including the Irish National Heritage Park and the bird reserves of the North Slob.